C0245 code meaning
Wheel Speed Sensor Frequency Mismatch
What C0245 means
C0245 is missing from the reachable J2012 lists but is a documented GM code: PIP5094 lists it, AA1Car's GM table names it Wheel Speed Sensor Frequency Error, and the 2010 and 2011 Saab 9-5 manuals call it Wheel Speed Sensor Frequency Malfunction. The active sensors there get 12 V from the brake module and return a square wave whose frequency gives the wheel speed. The check runs above 9 mph with no open-circuit sensor code, brake released and no cornering; if one wheel differs from the rest by more than 20 percent, ABS, hill start assist, traction and stability control shut down for that ignition cycle and three warning lamps light. GM first checks tire size and pressure, then the tone ring and sensor seating.
C0245 at a glance
- Check engine lightUsually not
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyMedium, DIY possible
- Typical labor0.2 to 2 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of C0245
- ABS, traction/stability and brake warning lamps on together
- ABS, stability control and hill start assist disabled
Common causes of C0245
- Most likelyTire with wrong size or pressure on one wheel
- PossibleDamaged or contaminated tone ring or magnetic encoder
- PossibleSensor not seated correctly or excessive wheel bearing play
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Wheel speed sensorTone ringABS control module
What each part of C0245 means
| C | Chassis system: brakes, ABS, steering and suspension. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 45 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note C0245 and any other codes stored with it: several codes together often point to one cause.
- Check for loose connectors and damaged wiring around the parts the code names.
- Check open recalls for your car: some faults are fixed for free by the dealer. Enter your VIN.
- Clear the code only after the repair. If it comes back, the fault is still there.
Buying a used car? Scan it for stored codes before you pay. A recently cleared memory can hide a problem.
Questions about C0245
What does C0245 mean?
C0245 means "Wheel Speed Sensor Frequency Mismatch". C0245 is missing from the reachable J2012 lists but is a documented GM code: PIP5094 lists it, AA1Car's GM table names it Wheel Speed Sensor Frequency Error, and the 2010 and 2011 Saab 9-5 manuals call it Wheel Speed Sensor Frequency Malfunction. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with C0245?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With C0245 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will C0245 fail an emissions test?
C0245 is not an emissions code, so on its own it usually does not fail an emissions test. Other stored codes or a lit check engine light still can.
How hard is C0245 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.2 to 2 hours of work. A careful DIY repair is possible with basic tools and a scanner.
Will C0245 clear itself after the repair?
After the repair the car has to complete a drive cycle (a mix of city and highway driving) before the test runs again. Until then the readiness monitor shows "not ready", which can fail an inspection.